When it comes to off-roading and vehicle suspension systems, traction bars and trac bars are two common components that are often mentioned. While both are designed to improve your vehicle’s performance, they serve different purposes and are used in different ways. In this article, we will discuss the key differences between traction bars and trac bars to help you better understand their roles in your vehicle’s suspension system. Traction Bars: Traction bars, also known as ladder bars, are primarily designed to prevent axle-wrap and improve traction. Axle-wrap occurs when the torque from the e ..read more

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle’s engine performance, choosing high-quality spark plugs is essential. With several reputable brands available in the market, it can be challenging to decide which one to trust for your vehicle’s specific needs. In this article, we will compare the top three spark plug brands – NGK, Denso, and Bosch – by discussing their unique features, durability, pricing, and a brief history of each company. 1. NGK * Superior ignitability and throttle response with their Iridium IX spark plugs * Wide range of materials used, including iridium, platinum, and copper ..read more

Spark plugs play a crucial role in maintaining your vehicle’s engine performance, providing efficient combustion and ensuring smooth operation. With numerous spark plug types available in the market, it is essential to understand their materials, design, performance, manufacturing process, and environmental impact. In this article, we will explore different types of spark plugs and discuss their eco-friendliness. 1. Copper Core Spark Plugs – Materials: Copper core spark plugs have a nickel-alloy outer electrode and a solid copper core center electrode. – Design: These spark plugs offer good he ..read more

Tube fenders are a great upgrade for your Wrangler JK. Tube fenders replace your jeep’s stock fenders and plastic fender flares with ones that are much stronger and more durable.  They not only add durability and strength but many add needed tire clearance to help reduce tire rub. Plus, they look way better than stock fenders! Not all tube fenders are created equal.  A quick Google search could leave your head spinning, so many choices!  With prices varying from $250 to $1000, materials from steel to carbon fiber, and a wide range of fender width, how is one to choose? Luckily w ..read more

Cantina for the Con is an event put on by the Rubicon Trail Foundation each year as a fundraiser to acquire money that will be used in maintaining the Rubicon Trail.  The event takes place at the Loon Lake spillway in the El Dorado National Forest, and is the start of the world famous Rubicon Trail. Pre-Cantina tickets, flex ramp, and a BBQ are made available by MetalCloak with Billy Bones BBQ providing tacos. Pre-Cantina Date: August 18, 2015 at 5:30pm Raffle Tickets & Raffle Donations 1 for $1 15 for $10 32 for $20 100 for $60 200 for $100 Raffle tickets can be purchased at the pre ..read more

Rubicon Trail FAQ- What is the distance to the Rubicon from Sacramento?  80miles Rubicon Elevation – 5,000 to 7,000 FT Do I get cell phone service on the Rubicon Trail? Service is spotty at best, and I would not rely on cell service for communication. What’s the weather like at the Rubicon? The weather depends on the season.  With cold winters the trail becomes snow covered. In the summer, cool mornings can lead way to warmer temps that can reach the high 80’s to low 90’s Can I enter from the Lake Tahoe side of the Rubicon? Yes, but it is most commonly run the other direction. How lo ..read more

The world famous Rubicon Trial is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This 4×4 trail will test even the best built 4x4s.  The trail is accessible from the west via Loon Lake or Wentworth Springs Rd and from the east off of McKinney Rubicon Road.  Most visitors start from the west and finish in Lake Tahoe.  The trail stretches 12 miles from Loon Lake to Lake Tahoe.   As you journey along this difficult trail you will travel over large granite slabs, past several high mountain lakes and through wooded forest.  This beautiful trail is also enjoyed by hikers and quad a ..read more

We recently replaced our 1998 Avalon with a 2014 Subaru Outback 2.5i.  The Outback will primarily be used as our kid taxi, but it will also be used for longer road trips as well as exploring the great outdoors.  We went with a Subaru for several reasons; we needed a safe all wheel drive car for the family, a car that gets decent gas millage, and car with enough room for a family and gear.   After owning the Outback 2.5i for 3 weeks we are extremely happy with our choice.  We have put on nearly a thousand miles with a mix of city and freeway driving.  We are averaging 2 ..read more

After purchasing our Subaru Outback 2.5i we immediately ordered a hitch.  I wanted the Outback to handle my 2” Yakima bike rack I already owned. After learning the cost of a hitch from the dealer it only made sense to shop elsewhere. We ordered the CURT 13206 Hitch from Amazon.  Its sleek design allows the hitch to tuck up nicely against the bumper.  Other brands have a more square design, and the hitch hangs down much lower making it more noticeable compared to the CURT. The Curt hitch attaches to the rear frame via 4 bolts.  The hitch comes with detailed instructions, and ..read more

I recently replaced the ripped leather on our 2003 GMC Yukon with new leather purchased from theseatshop.com.  When we purchased our Yukon the bottom driver seat leather was torn and worn out.  After driving it for a year we decided it was time to look into replacing it. The leather was the only part on the vehicle that looked 13 years old! After calling the GMC dealer and the local upholstery shops I quickly learned that I could save hundreds by doing it myself.  I purchased leather for just the bottom half of the seat from The Seat Shop. The top was still in good condition ..read more